Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces - Department of Biomaterials

Interdisciplinary research on biological and biomimetic materials

The Department of Biomaterials was founded in 2003. Six research groups are investigating the deformation mechanisms of mineralised tissues, computer modelling of mechanics, growth and adaption of biomaterials, biotemplating, plant-tissue micro-structure and micromechanics, bone material quality and clinical issues as well as the development of artificial bone and biomimetic materials.

Peter Fratzl, Prof. Dr., Director

Am Mühlenberg
14476 Potsdam
Germany
Phone: +49-331-567-9401
Fax: +49-331-567-9402

The scientists are testing porous scaffolds of hydroxyapatite with a thickness of a few hundred micrometers as a possible bone replacement material. Their research into biomimetic materials also includes the study of artificial collagen-mineral composites and metal nanoparticles synthesised in association with bacterial cell membranes. Basic principles such as bone remodelling cycles are currently studied by computer simulation.

The deformation mechanism of tendons is investigated in cooperation with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology in Vienna; the Department of Biomaterials has conducted studies related to brittle bone disease, hypophosphatasia and to osteoporosis treatment with parathyroide hormone. The institute is continuously developing and improving new methods for the analysis of materials: e.g. scanning methods based on the diffraction of synchrotron radiation, as well as the technique of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS).